Sometimes it is the simple everyday things we do that can make a difference, and the more you take preventive action the more likely you are to get your flushes under control faster. Not all of these may apply to you, but they may help you – or someone you know.

1 Balance your hormones

The fluctuating hormones in perimenopause and menopause are ‘helped’ by HRT as the high doses flatten out the hormones so that the surges do not take place in the same way. However there is often a high price to pay for this method and many women prefer to turn to bioidentical hormones to help with their symptoms.

Progesterone is effective for the majority of women when trying to get their flushes, sweats and other menopausal symptoms under control. However some women can need a small amount of oestrogen as well as progesterone and this combination is effective for more severe symptoms, and for women with a history of being on HRT or who have had a hysterectomy.

2 Reduce stress

This is one of the biggest issue for many women and there are ways you can get control of your stress without necessarily resorting to medication. First really notice what stresses you, whether it is something at home, or someone you encounter regularly or something you regularly have to do that you find difficult. Then talk to someone about it and see if you can come up with a plan to minimise the stress it is causing you.

There are many excellent, proven, techniques to reduce stress and relaxation is certainly top of the list. According to one study, by taking up yoga, meditation and other stress-reducing techniques you could cut your hot flashes in half.

A further study has indicated that when a flush starts you may be able to control it by practicing controlled breathing techniques and muscle relaxation (such as in yoga) regularly during a hot flush could cut down how often you’ll get them. Try deep, slow abdominal breathing (six to eight breaths per minute). Practice deep breathing for 15 minutes in the morning, 15 minutes in the evening and when a flush starts.

Another proven stress reducer is exercise; just make sure it is pleasurable and not too taxing so you will maintain it on a daily basis. Walking, swimming, dancing, bicycling and Tai Chi are all good choices.

3 Keep your cool

This applies to both your environment, and to you too. If you get night sweats then keep your bedroom cool by turning down the thermostat – it is healthier, and more economical – and use natural fibres for sheets, not synthetics. There have been a number of new products on the market in the last few years to put under your mattress or in your pillows like the Chillow which may at least make your face feel cooler.

Dress in layers so you can shed clothes when you feel too warm and keep your clothing loose and of natural fibres. Use a fan in the room to keep the air circulating or carry a small one in your bag with you to cool you down.

Carry cooling wipes with you as they can be very effective when used on the back of the neck, forehead and wrists to instantly make you feel cooler. Make your own with peppermint oil and put a few drops (not too much and test on your hand first) and a small amount of water in a little spray bottle – the type you buy for travel. As the spray evaporates on your skin the peppermint oil will provide a soothing, cooling effect and there are commercial sprays available that have the same effect.

If your skin is sensitive just carry a damp flannel in a plastic bag or some handy wipes.

4 Dietary help

Head for fruit such as strawberries, pineapple, melon, apricot and mango, as well as trying a standard Mediterranean diet as these have been shown to decrease the number of flushes, when compared to women on diets high in fat and sugar.

Try to lose some weight if you are carrying a few extra pounds as weight loss has been shown to improve flushes too.

5 Supplement help

In addition to using bioidentical hormones there are many herbal supplements available, but some herbs can have interactions with medications. Black cohosh for example is not recommended for anyone with liver disease but that many women find helpful in small doses for hot flushes. Evening primrose oil again is found helpful, but not recommended if you are taking blood thinner medication.

Other products women have found helpful for hot flushes include soy products for their plant oestrogens, also red clover and flaxseed. Ashwaganda is a herb increasingly used in the USA to help with flushes and also to reduce the anxiety that is also a common feature of menopause.

When flushes are severe, additional help may be needed. A combination cream such as 20-1 with both progesterone and oestrogen can be effective. If you are unable to use oestrogen then progesterone only cream like Serenity together with an effective herbal supplement such as Wellsprings Menopause Support Capsules. These have been specifically designed with herbs that help such as Ashgawanda, Damiana, Chyasteberry and others that support reducing flushes and can be used together with biohormone creams for women with more severe symptoms may be the answer.